Ask PAARL

18/05/2026

ATHLONE INSTITUTE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

A pulpit exchange prayer meeting will be held on Monday 18 May 2026 at Bethel Cong Church at 19h00. Fr. Denver Heugh will lead the service.

This initiative is part of the Athlone Institute Trust's centenary celebrations 🙏🏽

A warm cup of tea will be served afterwards for us to have fellowship across denominational boundaries.

15/05/2026

💥COMPETITION TIME! 💥
🔥 Register as a Travel Buyer… and you could WIN! 🔥

Sign up to attend the expo before 5:30 PM on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 and stand a chance to WIN an unforgettable prize… 👇

🏨 A luxurious one-night stay for 2 people, including Bed & Breakfast at Paarl Boutique Hotel on 2 June 2026!

Wake up refreshed, relaxed, and ready to experience all the excitement of the expo on 3 June 2026! ☕✨

👏 A big thank you to everyone who has already registered — your names are automatically included in the lucky draw too!

📢 Winner announced on Thursday, 21 May 2026!

🌿 Discover the magic of the Drakenstein region…
From Paarl to Wellington, Simondium, Gouda, Saron and Hermon…

💎 Discover hidden gems
🤝 Meet industry leaders
🌍 Build valuable connections
✨ Explore unforgettable tourism experiences
🎁 Plus… even more amazing prizes up for grabs!

📅 Expo Date: 3 June 2026
⏰ 09:00 AM
📍 Nantes Estate

⏳ Competition closes at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 — don’t miss out!

👇 Register NOW to secure your spot and enter! 👇
https://forms.gle/W9VnaGkHNCaZj8dv8

15/05/2026

*ATTENTION!!!* Only a few hours left for Vendors & Exhibitors to register!!! 🌟

Have you secured your spot yet? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of an amazing morning of networking, connection and showcasing your business to travel agents and industry partners.

Join us on 3 June at 9:00 AM at Nantes Estate as we celebrate and promote everything the Drakenstein region has to offer.

✨ Connect with key industry players
✨ Showcase your product or service
✨ Build valuable new partnerships
✨ Be part of a dynamic tourism experience
✨ Plus, there are fantastic prizes to be won!

Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/ouPFGr7yXUkUA8uF8

Spaces are filling up, so if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time. We’d love to have you join us for what promises to be a truly inspiring morning

06/05/2026

Dear Tour Operator, Tour Guide, Corporate Travel Buyer, and Tourism Professional,

We are proud to share the following information:

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience and discover everything the Drakenstein region has to offer — from Paarl, Wellington and Simondium to Gouda, Saron and Hermon!

Join us on 3 June at 9:00 AM at Nantes Estate for a vibrant showcase of local tourism experiences, hidden gems, and incredible networking opportunities.

✨ Plus, there are awesome prizes to be won!

If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time — come be inspired, connect, and see why Drakenstein is a destination worth selling.

We’d love to have you there! Please secure your spot soon.

To attend, simply click the link below and complete the short registration form:
https://forms.gle/W9VnaGkHNCaZj8dv8

Payment link:
Entry at R150 pp
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/370526-paarl-travel-tourism-expo/

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

As part of the centenary commemorations of the Athlone Institute this August, Hybré van Niekerk is currently working on a historical publication documenting the legacy of the institution, formerly known as the Athlone College of Education in Paarl.

She is seeking assistance in identifying and connecting with former staff members who served at the College prior to its closure in 1993.

The attached photograph features a group of past staff members. While she is aware that some individuals in this image may sadly have passed on, Hybré would greatly appreciate any information that could help identify those pictured, as well as any contact with surviving colleagues, family members, or associates who may be willing to share insights or memories.

Your contribution—no matter how small—will help preserve an important chapter in our educational history.

Please feel free to comment below or contact Hybré via Whatsapp on 065 905 8197 or e-mail her at [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your support.

19/04/2026

What a week!!! I had the privilege to do two historical walking tours with 38 x Grade 4 learners per group from Paarl Boys Primary on Monday and Wednesday. The most inquisitive group of young men I have ever had on a tour. Loved them!!!!

26/03/2026

Doing a session with these inquisitive little ladies is always the best!!!!!! The weather was perfect, may I add. Laer Meisieskool La Rochelle

24/02/2026

Special walking tour done yesterday with the Whitfields from Ireland.

30/12/2025

Sjoe, it's been a while since I have posted. Just wanted to share what I have been up to the passed week. From a visit to the historical Graveyard at the foot of Paarl Mountain with descendants of Jason Adams, to a walking tour with 3 very enthusiastic family researchers. When you do a tour with people having the same love for history and ancestry as you do, one can easily loose track of time. Thank you ladies, it was very special indeed.